Private School House Parent Stole From Students
A house parent at an elite private school has admitted to stealing thousands of pounds worth of belongings from students under his care.
Jack Martin-Harley, 33, used his position as a senior boarding assistant at the £37,000-a-year d’Overbroeck’s in Oxford to steal cash, jewelry, and electronic items from students. The thefts occurred over a four-month period between December and April.
Martin-Harley has pleaded guilty to nine counts of burglary at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court. He was responsible for overseeing the academic and personal lives of approximately 50 sixth-form students at Westway House, the school's boarding facility.
The school informed parents via a letter that Martin-Harley was no longer employed, but did not disclose the nature of his crimes. This lack of transparency has reportedly angered parents, with one school source quoted as saying, "Parents at the school are outraged – it’s been very difficult for everyone involved. It’s an obscene amount of money and it’s incredible that this individual saw fit to top up his own salary."
Not all of the stolen items have been recovered. The d’Overbroeck's website describes the school as an 11-to-18 co-educational institution located in Oxford's Summertown area, offering boarding in "modern, secure facilities."
Martin-Harley was scheduled for sentencing at Oxford Crown Court, but the hearing was postponed to November 26 after he appeared in court without legal representation. A spokesperson for the school stated that Martin-Harley left with immediate effect and that the matter was reported to the police. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the school is unable to provide further comment.